“Bobby” was probably best known for his extensive basketball accomplishments. He is a member of the East High School Hall of Fame (1943 graduate), and after the war, won the European Theatre championship, earning All-American honors for the veterans of foreign wars. Once home, he was an integral member of one of the great teams in University of Akron history, with coach Russ Beichly and teammates Fritz Nagy, Sam Serves, Hank Vaughn and others, and was later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. He also played for the prestigious Goodyear Wingfoots and served as an assistant coach of the team with Hank Vaughn.
He also coached men’s AAU basketball teams, which included Bobby Knight, Gene Michaels and Paul Brownlee as well as many others. Later he coached children in the Stow Parks and Recreation League. The joy of the Stow league was that he got to coach his two grandsons, Robbie and David, who meant the world to him. (Ironically, David will be playing at the University of Akron to help lead Stow to a District 1 Semi-Final victory!) With all his accomplishments, Bobby was also inducted into the Summit County Hall of Fame.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine; grandson, David Elliott, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lora M.; son, David Allan (Cheryll); grandsons, Robert Allan “Robbie” and David Michael; and many, many dear friends and relatives.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 10 a.m., at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Rev. Ron Bauman officiating. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park, where military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 281. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 18, from 3 – 7 p.m., with a Coventry- Akron 83 Masonic service at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’ Association, 1815 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313.
